Apparatus is provided including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element. A flexible longitudinal member is coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element. The tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.
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1. Apparatus comprising:
a radially-expandable percutaneous implant comprising:
a plurality of struts, which, when the implant is radially expanded, are arranged so as to define a tubular stent; and
a tension-distributing element that is coupled to the plurality of struts, the tension-distributing element, when the implant is radially expanded:
having a tension-distributing-element longitudinal length that is at least 15% of a percutaneous-implant longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant, each of the tension-distributing-element longitudinal length and the percutaneous-implant longitudinal length being measured along a longitudinal axis of the percutaneous implant,
having a tension-distributing-element width that is greater than a widest-strut width of a widest strut of the plurality of struts, and
being flush with the tubular stent along the tension-distributing-element longitudinal length and along the tension-distributing-element width; and
a flexible longitudinal member coupled to the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element,
wherein the tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied to the percutaneous implant by the flexible longitudinal member,
wherein the tension-distributing element is shaped so as to provide at least one coupling site for coupling a portion of the flexible longitudinal member to the percutaneous implant, and
wherein the portion of the flexible longitudinal member is coupled to the percutaneous implant via the at least one coupling site.
21. A method, comprising:
positioning, in a body of a patient:
a radially-expandable percutaneous implant including:
a plurality of struts which, when the implant is radially expanded, are arranged so as to define a tubular stent; and
a tension-distributing element that is coupled to the plurality of struts, the tension-distributing element, when the implant is radially expanded:
having a tension-distributing-element longitudinal length that is at least 15% of a percutaneous-implant longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant, each of the tension-distributing-element longitudinal length and the percutaneous-implant longitudinal length being measured along a longitudinal axis of the percutaneous implant,
having a tension-distributing-element width that is greater than a widest-strut width of a widest strut of the plurality of struts, and
being flush with the tubular stent along the tension-distributing-element longitudinal length and along the tension-distributing-element width; and
a flexible longitudinal member coupled to the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element; and
applying tension to the flexible longitudinal member coupled to the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element, such that the tension-distributing element distributes the applied to the percutaneous implant by the flexible longitudinal member,
wherein the tension-distributing element is shaped so as to provide at least one coupling site for coupling a portion of the flexible longitudinal member to the percutaneous implant, and
wherein the portion of the flexible longitudinal member is coupled to the percutaneous implant via the at least one coupling site.
2. The apparatus according to
3. The apparatus according to
4. The apparatus according to
5. The apparatus according to
6. The apparatus according to
7. The apparatus according to
8. The apparatus according to
9. The apparatus according to
the two or more coaxial annular ring portions comprise first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and
each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
10. The apparatus according to
the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,
each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and
each one of the peaks in a distal portion of the stent points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within the sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
11. The apparatus according to
12. The apparatus according to
13. The apparatus according to
14. The apparatus according to
15. The apparatus according to
16. The apparatus according to
the two or more coaxial annular ring portions comprise first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and
each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
17. The apparatus according to
the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,
each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and
each one of the peaks in a distal portion of the stent points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within the sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
18. The apparatus according to
19. The apparatus according to
20. The apparatus according to
22. The method according to
23. The method according to
24. The method according to
25. The method according to
26. The apparatus according to
27. The apparatus according to
28. The apparatus according to
29. The apparatus according to
30. The apparatus according to
31. The apparatus according to
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This application:
(a) claims the priority from and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/188,175, filed Jul. 21, 2011, which published as US 2012/0035712 and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,961,596, and which is a continuation-in-part of PCT application PCT/IL2011/00064, filed Jan. 20, 2011, entitled, “Tricuspid valve repair using tension,” which published as WO 2011/089601, and which claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/692,061, filed Jan. 22, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,475,525, and is entitled, “Tricuspid valve repair using tension;” and
(b) is related to PCT application PCT/IL2012/000282, which published as WO 2013/011502, and is entitled: “Method and apparatus for tricuspid repair using tension,” filed on Jul. 19, 2012.
All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Some applications of the present invention relate in general to valve repair. More specifically, some applications of the present invention relate to repair of a tricuspid valve of a patient.
Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is governed by several pathophysiologic abnormalities such as tricuspid valve annular dilatation, annular shape, pulmonary hypertension, left or right ventricle dysfunction, right ventricle geometry, and leaflet tethering. Treatment options for FTR are primarily surgical. The current prevalence of moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation is estimated to be 1.6 million in the United States. Of these, only 8,000 patients undergo tricuspid valve surgeries annually, most of them in conjunction with left heart valve surgeries.
In some applications of the present invention, apparatus and methods are provided for repairing an atrioventricular valve of a patient using tension. Typically, the apparatus and methods for repairing the atrioventricular valve facilitate reducing of atrioventricular valve regurgitation by altering the geometry of the atrioventricular valve and/or by altering the geometry of the wall of the right or left atria of the heart of the patient. In some applications of the present invention, a first tissue-engaging element is implantable at a first implantation site in a vicinity of the atrioventricular valve of the patient. A second tissue-engaging element is then implantable at a second implantation site in a second portion of tissue that is upstream of the atrioventricular valve of the patient (e.g., in a blood vessel that empties into an atrium of the heart of the patient). Each tissue-engaging element is coupled to respective first and second longitudinal members, which are couplable together using first and second longitudinal-member coupling elements. The first tissue-engaging element is coupled to the tissue in the vicinity of the atrioventricular valve of the patient, and the first longitudinal member is extended therefrom. The second tissue-engaging element is then delivered toward the valve. The second longitudinal-member coupling element is coupled to the first longitudinal-member coupling element, the second tissue-engaging element is pulled toward the implantation site and the second longitudinal member is extended toward the second implantation. The second tissue engaging element is then deployed in the second implantation site upstream of the valve. Typically, as the second longitudinal member is extended by pulling on the second tissue-engaging element, it pulls on and applies tension to the first longitudinal member. Responsively, a distance between the leaflets of the atrioventricular valve is adjusted prior to implanting the second tissue-engaging element. Alternatively or additionally, following implantation of both the first and second tissue-engaging elements, the distance between the leaflets of the tricuspid valve is adjusted by pulling the first and second longitudinal members that connect the first and second tissue-engaging elements or by pulling at least one of the tissue-engaging elements. For some applications, the first and second longitudinal members are coupled at least in part to an adjusting mechanism, and the first and second longitudinal members are pulled or relaxed responsively to actuation of the adjusting mechanism. In some applications, a delivery tool is provided which facilitates implantation of the first and second tissue-engaging elements.
In some applications of the present invention, a first tissue-engaging element is implanted in a first portion of tissue that is upstream of the tricuspid valve of the patient. A second tissue-engaging element is then implanted in a second portion of tissue that is upstream of the tricuspid valve of the patient. Typically, a distance between the leaflets of the tricuspid valve is adjusted by pulling on and applying tension to the longitudinal member responsively to pulling on the second tissue-engaging element prior to implanting the second tissue-engaging element. Alternatively or additionally, following implantation of both the first and second tissue-engaging elements, the distance between the leaflets of the tricuspid valve is adjusted by pulling a longitudinal member that connects the first and second tissue-engaging elements or by pulling at least one of the tissue-engaging elements. For some applications, the longitudinal member is coupled at least in part to an adjusting mechanism, and the longitudinal member is pulled or relaxed responsively to actuation of the adjusting mechanism. In some applications, a delivery tool is provided which facilitates implantation of the first and second tissue-engaging elements.
For some applications, apparatus described herein are used to repair the tricuspid valve. It is to be noted, however, that the scope of the present invention includes use of apparatus described herein to repair the mitral valve of the patient, mutatis mutandis.
In some applications of the present invention, apparatus and method are provided to achieve bicuspidization of the tricuspid valve. For such applications, typically, the anterior leaflet and the septal leaflet are drawn together to enhance coaptation.
For some applications, the first tissue-engaging element comprises a tissue anchor (e.g., a helical tissue anchor) which is implanted in a portion of tissue surrounding an annulus of the tricuspid valve (e.g., an anterior-posterior commissure). Typically, the second tissue-engaging element comprises a stent which is expanded in a portion of a blood vessel of a patient, e.g., the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, coronary sinus, or a hepatic vein, e.g., the left hepatic vein, the right hepatic vein, or the middle hepatic vein. During the adjusting of the distance between the first and second tissue-engaging elements, the physician monitors a parameter indicative of regurgitation of the tricuspid valve. Responsively to the pulling of the longitudinal element(s), the geometry of the right atrium is altered, thereby drawing together the leaflets of the tricuspid valve.
It is to be noted that for some applications of the present invention, the first tissue-engaging element comprises a second stent which is expanded in a portion of a second blood vessel of the patient, e.g., the superior vena cava, the inferior vena cava, the coronary sinus, or a hepatic vein, e.g., the left hepatic vein, the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein.
For some applications, a plurality of second tissue-engaging elements are provided (such as two or three), which are implanted in respective portions of cardiac tissue in a vicinity of the heart valve. For some applications, a longitudinal member is (a) directly coupled to the first tissue-engaging element, (b) directly coupled to one of the second tissue-engaging elements, and (c) indirectly coupled to two others of the second tissue-engaging elements by a longitudinal sub-member.
For still other applications of the present invention, both the first and second tissue-engaging elements comprise respective first and second tissue anchors. Each tissue anchor punctures a respective portion of cardiac tissue of the patient and is implanted at least in part in the respective portion of cardiac tissue. The tensioning element couples the first and second tissue anchors and is adjusted following implantation of the first and second tissue anchors by pulling or relaxing the tensioning element.
For some applications of the present invention, a torque-delivering tool is provided for rotating a tissue anchor, so as to drive the anchor into tissue. The torque-delivering tool comprises a torque-delivering cable, a distal end of which comprises a first coupling that is configured to removably engage a second coupling coupled to the anchor in a controlled manner, such that rotation of the torque-delivering cable rotates the anchor. For some applications, the apparatus further comprises an anti-entanglement device which prevents entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the anchor.
For some applications, the stents described hereinabove comprise a plurality of interconnected superelastic metallic struts. For some applications, the stents described herein comprise a force-distributing element providing means to connect the stent to the flexible member and distribute tension applied from the flexible member to the stent along a longitudinal length of the stent.
There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:
a radially-expandable percutaneous implant;
a tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis;
a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular loop; and
a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and at a second portion to the connecting element, the annular loop of the connecting element facilitating rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, the longitudinal member includes a plurality of fibers.
In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of fibers are arranged such that the longitudinal member has a length of between 10 mm and 300 mm, a width of between 1 and 4 mm, and a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of fibers are arranged such that the longitudinal member has a length of between 20 mm and 80 mm, a width of between 1 and 4 mm, and a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of fibers are interwoven so as to form a fabric.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes:
a tube, which is sized to pass through a lumen defined by the percutaneous implant, the tube having at least one tube lumen, and
a torque-delivering tool configured for slidable passage through the tube, the torque-delivering tool is configured to be removably coupled to the tissue anchor, such that rotation of the torque-delivering tool rotates the tissue anchor.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a sheath configured to surround the percutaneous implant such that the percutaneous implant is maintained in a crimped state when the sheath surrounds the implant, and the sheath is slidable with respect to the tube in order to expose the implant from within the sheath.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a secondary tube through which a guidewire may be passed, the secondary tube being configured to be disposed alongside the tube surrounding the torque-delivering tool, the guidewire being configured to facilitate guiding of the apparatus through vasculature of a patient.
In some applications of the present invention:
the connecting element is shaped so as to define a flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler at a proximal portion thereof that is proximal to the annular loop,
the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler is coupled to the second portion of the flexible longitudinal member, and
the torque-delivering tool passes alongside the flexible longitudinal member in a manner which restricts entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the anchor.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes an anti-entanglement device coupled to the tube at a distal portion thereof, the anti-entanglement device is configured to restrict entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during (1) rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the anchor, and (2) rotation of the anchor with respect to the surrounding annular loop of the connecting element.
In some applications of the present invention, the anti-entanglement device is configured to be disposed adjacently to the flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler in a manner which restricts entanglement of the flexible longitudinal member during rotation of the torque-delivering tool to rotate the anchor.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes:
the torque-delivering tool includes a first coupling at a distal end thereof, and
the apparatus further includes an adapter head coupled to the tissue anchor at a proximal end of the tissue anchor, the adapter head including a second coupling reversibly couplable to the first coupling in a manner which:
In some applications of the present invention, the first coupling includes a male coupling, the second coupling includes a female coupling, and the first and second couplings are couplable together by being matingly engaged.
In some applications of the present invention, when the distal end of the tool is surrounded by the tube, the first and second couplings are disposed within the tube and are engaged, and the tool is slidable within the tube so as to expose the distal end of the tool and the first and second couplings from within the tube in order to facilitate disengaging of the couplings.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a proximal handle portion coupled to a proximal portion of the tube, the handle portion including:
a holder having a recess, the holder being coupled to a proximal portion of the tube, and
an anchor-deployment actuator including a proximal knob and a distal protrusion slidable within the recess of the holder, wherein:
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a safety coupled to the holder configured to prevent unwanted sliding distally of the protrusion of the anchor-deployment actuator within the recess of the holder.
In some applications of the present invention, at least a proximal portion of the tissue anchor is shaped so as to define an opening and a passage therethrough, and the adapter head is shaped so as to define a distal protrusion sized so as to fit within the passage, thereby coupling the adapter head to the tissue anchor.
In some applications of the present invention:
a portion of the adapter head that is between the distal protrusion and the second coupling is shaped so as to define a longest dimension at a first cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tissue anchor,
the annular loop of the connecting element is shaped so as to define a longest dimension a second cross-sectional plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the tissue anchor, and
the proximal portion of the adapter head is disposed coaxially proximally to the annular loop along the longitudinal axis in a manner which restricts decoupling of the connecting element from the tissue anchor.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant is shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element, and the first portion of the flexible longitudinal element is coupled to the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element.
In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element and the percutaneous implant are fabricated from a single unit.
In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element has a width of between 1 and 4 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of a widest strut is between 100 and 500 micron, and a width of the tension-distributing element is between 1 and 4 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes an endoluminal implant including a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of the tension-distributing element is at least 13 times a width of a widest strut of the stent.
In some applications of the present invention, a longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is at least 15% of the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant is between 20 and 120 mm, and the longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is between 10 and 120 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes an endoluminal implant including a stent.
In some applications of the present invention, a first section of the stent includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and
each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,
each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and
each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a first section configured, in a radially-expanded state of the stent, to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than a second section of the stent.
In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, and each wire segment of the second portion has a length greater than a length of a respective wire segment of the first portion.
In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, and each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of a respective wire segment of the second portion.
In some applications of the present invention, each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness of between 50 and 1000 micron, and each wire segment of the second portion has a thickness of between 50 and 1000 micron.
In some applications of the present invention, the first section includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peak and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and
each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,
each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and
each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
In some applications of the present invention, the second section includes a plurality of vertical elements extending from the first portion.
In some applications of the present invention, the vertical elements each have a length of between 10 and 80 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a third portion configured, in the radially-expanded state of the stent, to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than the second section of the stent.
There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:
providing (a) a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, (b) tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis, (c) a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular ring, and (d) a flexible longitudinal member, which has a first portion that is coupled to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and a second portion that is coupled to the connecting element;
positioning the percutaneous implant in a blood vessel of a patient;
coupling the tissue anchor to tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve of the patient by rotating the anchor with respect to the annular loop, the longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant; and
after coupling the tissue anchor to the tissue, deploying the percutaneous implant such that the implant expands and is implanted in the blood vessel at an implantation site.
In some applications of the present invention, the method includes, after coupling the tissue anchor to the tissue and before deploying the percutaneous implant, pulling the anchor toward the implantation site.
In some applications of the present invention, the blood vessel is selected from the group of blood vessels consisting of: a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava, a coronary sinus, and a hepatic vein.
In some applications of the present invention, rotating includes rotating the anchor using a tube, which passes through a lumen defined by the stent, and which is removably coupled to the tissue anchor.
There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:
providing (a) a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, (b) tissue anchor having a central longitudinal axis, (c) a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular ring, and (d) a flexible longitudinal member, which has a first portion that is coupled to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and a second portion that is coupled to the connecting element; and
rotating the anchor with respect to the annular loop, the longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant while restricting rotation of the flexible longitudinal member.
There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus including:
a radially-expandable percutaneous implant shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element; and
a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element, the tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tissue anchor coupled to the flexible longitudinal member at a second portion thereof, the tissue anchor and the flexible longitudinal member being configured to apply tension to the tension-distributing element.
In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element and the percutaneous implant are fabricated from a single unit.
In some applications of the present invention, the tension-distributing element has a width of between 1 and 4 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of a widest strut is between 100 and 500 micron and a width of the tension-distributing element is between 1 and 4 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes a stent including a plurality of struts, and a width of the tension-distributing element is at least 13 times a width of a widest strut of the stent.
In some applications of the present invention, a longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is at least 15% of the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, the longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant is between 20 and 120 mm, and the longitudinal length of the tension-distributing element is between 10 and 120 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the percutaneous implant includes an endoluminal implant including a stent.
In some applications of the present invention, a first section of the stent includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase, and
each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,
each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and
each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a first section configured to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than a second section of the stent.
In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, each wire segment of the second portion has a length greater than a length of a respective wire segment of the first portion.
In some applications of the present invention, the first and second portions are each shaped so as to define respective wire structures, each wire structure including a respective plurality of wire segments, each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness greater than a thickness of a respective wire segment of the second portion.
In some applications of the present invention, each wire segment of the first portion has a thickness of between 100 and 1000 micron, and each wire segment of the second portion has a thickness of between 100 and 1000 micron.
In some applications of the present invention, the first section includes two or more coaxial annular ring portions, each ring portion shaped so as to define a plurality of peak and valleys, and the first section includes a plurality of interconnectors configured to connect the two or more annular ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the two or more coaxial annular ring portions include first and second annular ring portions that are in phase,
each one of the plurality of interconnectors is disposed vertically between a respective valley of the first and second ring portions.
In some applications of the present invention:
the stent is configured to assume a compressed state within a sheath and an expanded state when exposed from within the sheath by retracting the sheath in a distal-to-proximal direction,
each one of the valleys of the first annular ring portion is connected by a respective interconnector to a respective valley of the second annular ring portion, and
each one of the peaks points in a distal direction in a manner in which, following expansion of the first and second annular ring portions from within a sheath, the first and second annular ring portions are compressible and retrievable into the sheath when the sheath is advanced in a proximal-to-distal direction.
In some applications of the present invention, the second section includes a plurality of vertical elements extending from the first portion.
In some applications of the present invention, the vertical elements each have a length of between 10 and 60 mm.
In some applications of the present invention, the stent is shaped so as to define a third portion configured to exert a stronger radial force on surrounding tissue than the second section of the stent.
There is also provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:
a first radially-expandable percutaneous implant including a plurality of mechanical structural elements arranged so as to assume a first tubular structure, the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, in a radially-expanded state thereof, having a lumen having an inner diameter;
a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the flexible longitudinal member being configured to apply tension to the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant; and
a second radially-expandable percutaneous implant positionable within the lumen of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant:
including a plurality of mechanical structural elements arranged so as to assume a second tubular structure,
being shaped so as to define a plurality of tissue-engaging elements configured to engage tissue of a patient in a radially-expanded state of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant,
in the radially-expanded state thereof, being configured to:
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a tissue anchor coupled to the flexible longitudinal member at a second portion thereof, the tissue anchor and the flexible longitudinal member being configured to apply tension to the tension-distributing element.
In some applications of the present invention, the plurality of tissue-engaging elements include a plurality of barbs.
In some applications of the present invention, in the radially-expanded state of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant pushes radially against the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant.
There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:
positioning a first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in a blood vessel of a patient, the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant including a plurality of mechanical struts arranged so as to assume a first tubular structure, the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, in a radially-expanded state thereof, having a lumen having an inner diameter;
applying tension to the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant;
while tension is applied to the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, expanding the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in the blood vessel in a manner in which the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant exerts a radial force on the blood vessel; and
anchoring the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant to the blood vessel by expanding a second radially-expandable percutaneous implant within the lumen of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant, the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant including a plurality of mechanical struts arranged so as to assume a second tubular structure, and by the expanding, engaging a plurality of tissue-engaging elements of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant with tissue of the blood vessel.
In some applications of the present invention, expanding the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant includes expanding the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant in a manner in which the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant, excluding the plurality of tissue-engaging elements, assumes an outer diameter that is at least as large as the inner diameter of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant in the radially-expanded state of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, prior to expanding the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant, allowing migration within the blood vessel of the first radially-expandable percutaneous implant.
In some applications of the present invention, engaging the plurality of tissue-engaging elements of the second radially-expandable percutaneous implant with tissue of the blood vessel includes preventing migration of the first radially-expandable implant within the blood vessel.
There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:
a first tissue-engaging element;
a first flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element;
a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to the first flexible longitudinal member at a second end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member;
a second tissue-engaging element;
a second flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the second tissue-engaging element; and
a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to the second flexible longitudinal member at a second end portion of the second flexible longitudinal member, the first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements being couplable to couple together the first and second flexible longitudinal elements.
In some applications of the present invention, at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element is shaped so as to define a loop, and wherein the first end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member is configured to be looped at least in part around the loop of the first tissue-engaging element.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a connecting element coupled to the first tissue-engaging element, the connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the first tissue-engaging element in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about the central longitudinal axis when surrounded by the annular loop, wherein the annular loop of the connecting element facilitates rotation of the first tissue-engaging element about a central longitudinal axis of the first tissue-engaging element such that the first tissue-engaging element can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop and the first flexible longitudinal member.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism coupled to a flexible longitudinal member selected from the group consisting of: the first flexible longitudinal member and the second flexible longitudinal member, and wherein the flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a length of the selected flexible longitudinal member.
In some applications of the present invention, the flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism includes a spool configured to adjust a length of the selected flexible longitudinal member by winding a portion of the selected flexible longitudinal member around the spool.
In some applications of the present invention, the first tissue-engaging element includes a tissue anchor configured to penetrate tissue of an annulus of an atrioventricular valve of a patient.
In some applications of the present invention, the second tissue-engaging element includes a radially-expandable percutaneous implant configured to engage tissue of the patient upstream of the atrioventricular valve.
In some applications of the present invention, the radially-expandable percutaneous implant includes a stent configured for placement within a blood vessel that empties into an atrium of a heart of the patient.
In some applications of the present invention, the tissue anchor includes a helical tissue anchor, and wherein the apparatus further includes a torque-delivering tool configured to corkscrew the helical tissue anchor into tissue of a patient.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a connecting element shaped to define an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor, in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about a longitudinal axis of the tissue anchor, when surrounded by the annular loop, and with respect to the first flexible longitudinal member.
In some applications of the present invention:
the apparatus further includes a first coupling element coupled to the first tissue-engaging element, the first coupling element having a first-coupling-element longitudinal axis and shaped so as to define:
the first coupling element is shaped so as to define a first-coupling-element space between the first-coupling-element main body portion and the first-coupling-element secondary body portion,
the apparatus further includes a second coupling element having a second-coupling-element longitudinal axis and shaped so as to define:
the second coupling element is shaped so as to define a second-coupling-element space between the main body portion and the secondary body portion, and
the first and second coupling elements are couplable together by fitting the first-coupling-element secondary body portion within the second-coupling-element space of the second coupling element, and by fitting the second-coupling-element secondary body portion within the first-coupling-element space of the first coupling element in a manner in which the first-coupling-element-main-body passage, the first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage, the second-coupling-element-main-body passage, and the second-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage are aligned, and
the apparatus further includes an elongate longitudinal element:
In some applications of the present invention, the elongate longitudinal element includes a rod.
In some applications of the present invention, the first-coupling-element main body portion is shaped so as to define a cylinder.
In some applications of the present invention, the second-coupling-element main body portion is shaped so as to define a cylinder.
In some applications of the present invention, the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element includes a male coupling, and the second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element includes a female coupling configured to receive the male coupling.
In some applications of the present invention, the female coupling is shaped so as to define one or more grooves, and wherein the male coupling is shaped so as to provide one or more protrusions configured to fit within the one or more grooves of the female coupling.
In some applications of the present invention:
the female coupling includes a cylinder configured to receive the male coupling,
the female coupling is shaped so as to define one or more tabs biased to flex toward a longitudinal axis of the cylinder,
the male coupling is shaped so as to provide one or more protrusions defining a shelf,
the male coupling advanceable with respect to the one or more tabs in a first direction to push the tab away from the longitudinal axis, and
the one or more tabs are configured to flex toward the longitudinal axis after the advancement of the shelf of the male coupling beyond the one or more tabs to restrict advancement of the male coupling in a second direction.
In some applications of the present invention,
the female coupling includes a structural element including one or more walls shaped so as to define an opening,
the male coupling includes one or more radially-displaceable arms, and
the one or more radially-displaceable arms are:
In some applications of the present invention,
the female coupling includes a structural element including one or more walls shaped so as to define an opening,
the male coupling includes one or more radially-displaceable arms, and
the one or more radially-displaceable arms are:
In some applications of the present invention,
the female coupling includes a structural element including one or more walls shaped so as to define one or more shelves,
the male coupling includes one or more radially-displaceable legs,
the one or more radially-displaceable legs are:
following expanding of the one or more radially-displaceable legs, the one or more shelves of the female coupling restrict advancement of the one or more radially-displaceable legs in a second advancement direction.
In some applications of the present invention, the one or more walls of the female coupling element is shaped so as to define at least one groove, and wherein the male coupling element is shaped so as to define at least one protrusion shaped so as to fit within the at least one groove.
In some applications of the present invention, the female coupling includes a structural element shaped so as to define a curved groove, and wherein the male coupling includes a projection advanceable within the curved groove so as to lock the male coupling to the female coupling.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a flexible longitudinal guide member reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element.
In some applications of the present invention, the flexible longitudinal guide member is reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element by being looped through a portion of the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element.
In some applications of the present invention:
the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element is shaped so as to define a first coupling,
the flexible longitudinal guide member is reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element via the first coupling, and
the flexible longitudinal guide member is configured to facilitate advancement of the second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element along the guide member and toward the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a snare couplable to the flexible longitudinal guide member so as to facilitate extraction of a portion of the guide member outside a body of a patient.
In some applications of the present invention:
the first tissue-engaging element, the first flexible longitudinal member, and the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element are advanceable within the body of that patient from a first site thereof,
the second tissue-engaging element, the second flexible longitudinal member, and the second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element are advanceable within the body of that patient from a second site thereof, and
the snare is configured to extend a portion of the flexible longitudinal guide member toward the second site.
In some applications of the present invention, the first coupling includes a threaded coupling, and wherein the flexible longitudinal guide member is reversibly coupled to the first coupling by being screwed with respect to the threaded coupling.
In some applications of the present invention, the first coupling is shaped so as to define at least one shelf, and wherein the apparatus further includes a longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element, wherein the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element is:
coupled to the longitudinal guide member,
restricted from advancement in a first direction by the at least one shelf, and
displaceable with respect to the at least one shelf in response to a change in a spatial orientation of the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element with respect to the at least one shelf, and allowed to advance in the first direction in order to decouple the longitudinal guide member from the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element.
In some applications of the present invention:
the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element has a first-coupling-element longitudinal axis and wherein the first coupling is shaped so as to define:
the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element is shaped so as to define a first-coupling-element space between the main body portion and the secondary body portion,
the apparatus further includes a longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element having a longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element longitudinal axis and a second coupling, wherein the flexible longitudinal guide member coupled to the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element, and is reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element via the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element, the second coupling being shaped so as to define:
the second coupling element is shaped so as to define a second-coupling-element space between the main body portion and the secondary body portion, and
the first and second couplings are couplable together by fitting the first-coupling-element secondary body portion within the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element space of the second coupling element, and by fitting the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element secondary body portion within the first-coupling-element space of the first coupling element in a manner in which the first-coupling-element-main-body passage, the first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage, the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element-main-body passage, and the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage are aligned.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus further includes an elongate longitudinal element:
disposable within the first-coupling-element-main-body passage, the first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage, the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element-main-body passage, and the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage to maintain coupling of the first and second couplings, and
removable from the first-coupling-element-main-body passage, the first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage, the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element-main-body passage, and the longitudinal-guide-member-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage to facilitate decoupling of the first and second couplings.
There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention a method, including:
implanting a first tissue-engaging element at a first implantation site in tissue of an atrioventricular valve of a patient;
extending from the first tissue-engaging element, a first flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element, the first flexible longitudinal element being coupled at a second end portion thereof to a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element;
advancing toward the valve of the patient a second tissue-engaging element coupled to a first end portion of a second flexible longitudinal member, the second flexible longitudinal member being coupled at a second end portion thereof to a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element;
coupling together the first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements;
facilitating repairing of the atrioventricular valve by pulling on the second tissue-engaging element, and responsively, pulling on the first and second flexible longitudinal members; and
implanting the second tissue-engaging element at a second implantation site upstream of the atrioventricular valve.
In some applications of the present invention, facilitating repairing includes remodeling the atrioventricular valve by drawing together leaflets of the valve responsively to the pulling.
There is still yet additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus including:
a first coupling element having a first-coupling-element longitudinal axis and shaped so as to define:
wherein the first coupling element is shaped so as to define a first-coupling-element space between the first-coupling-element main body portion and the first-coupling-element secondary body portion;
a second coupling element having a second-coupling-element longitudinal axis and shaped so as to define:
wherein:
an elongate longitudinal element:
In some applications of the present invention, the elongate longitudinal element includes a rod.
In some applications of the present invention, the first-coupling-element main body portion is shaped so as to define a cylinder.
In some applications of the present invention, the second-coupling-element main body portion is shaped so as to define a cylinder.
In some applications of the present invention, the first coupling element is coupled to a tissue anchor and wherein the second coupling element is coupled to a tissue-anchor-delivering tool.
In some applications of the present invention, the tissue anchor includes a helical tissue anchor, and wherein the tissue-anchor-delivering tool includes a torque-delivering tool configured to corkscrew the helical tissue anchor into tissue of a patient.
In some applications of the present invention, the torque-delivering tool is coupled to the second coupling element.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a connecting element shaped to define an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the first coupling element, in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor and the first coupling element about the first-coupling-element longitudinal axis, when surrounded by the annular loop.
In some applications of the present invention, the apparatus includes a flexible, longitudinal band coupled to the connecting element, wherein the tissue anchor and the first coupling element are configured to rotate with respect to the flexible, longitudinal band.
There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, a method, including:
providing a first coupling element having a first-coupling-element longitudinal axis and shaped so as to define:
wherein the first coupling element is shaped so as to define a first-coupling-element space between the main body portion and the secondary body portion;
providing a second coupling element having a second-coupling-element longitudinal axis and shaped so as to define:
wherein the second coupling element is shaped so as to define a second-coupling-element space between the main body portion and the secondary body portion;
coupling together the first and second coupling elements are couplable together by fitting the first-coupling-element secondary body portion within the second-coupling-element space of the second coupling element, and by fitting the second-coupling-element secondary body portion within the first-coupling-element space of the first coupling element in a manner in which the first-coupling-element-main-body passage, the first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage, the second-coupling-element-main-body passage, and the second-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage are aligned;
maintaining the coupling by inserting an elongate longitudinal element within the first-coupling-element-main-body passage, the first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage, the second-coupling-element-main-body passage, and the second-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage to maintain coupling of the first coupling element to the second coupling element; and
facilitating decoupling of the first and second coupling elements by removing the elongate longitudinal element.
In some applications of the present invention, the elongate longitudinal element includes a rod.
In some applications of the present invention, the method includes providing a tissue anchor coupled to the first coupling element, and providing a tissue-anchor-delivery tool coupled to the second element.
In some applications of the present invention, the tissue anchor includes a helical tissue anchor, and wherein the tissue-anchor-delivery tool includes a torque-delivering tool configured to deliver torque to the tissue anchor to corkscrew the helical tissue anchor into tissue of a patient.
In some applications of the present invention, corkscrewing the helical tissue anchor includes rotating the first coupling element and the anchor about the first-coupling-element longitudinal axis, and wherein rotating includes rotating the first coupling element and the anchor with respect to a connecting element coupled to an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the first coupling element.
In some applications of the present invention, rotating includes rotating the first coupling element and the anchor with respect to a flexible, longitudinal band coupled to the connecting element.
There is also provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus including:
a first tissue-engaging element;
at least one flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element;
a second tissue-engaging element including a stent, the second tissue-engaging element being coupled to the first tissue-engaging element via the at least one flexible longitudinal member; and
a flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism coupled to the at least one flexible longitudinal member, the flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism being configured to adjust a length of the selected flexible longitudinal member to draw the first and second tissue-engaging elements toward each other.
In some applications of the present invention, the flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism includes a spool configured to adjust a length of the at least one flexible longitudinal member by winding a portion of the at least one flexible longitudinal member around the spool.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of applications thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:
FIGS. 29 and 30A-D are schematic illustrations of respective coupling elements of the first and second flexible longitudinal members of
Reference is now made to
Typically, longitudinal member 42 comprises a flexible biocompatible textile e.g. polyester, nylon, PTFE, ePTFE, PEEK, PEBAX™, and/or superelastic material, e.g., nitinol. Typically, longitudinal member 42 comprises a plurality of fibers which are aligned, e.g., woven or intertwined, to form a fabric band, as will be described hereinbelow with reference to
For some applications, first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b and longitudinal member 42 are fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b and longitudinal member 42 define a single continuous implant unit. For some applications, at least second tissue-engaging element 60b and longitudinal member 42 are fabricated from a single piece.
For some applications, second tissue-engaging element 60b comprises a stent 50 which is advanced toward and expandable in a portion of inferior vena cava 8 (such as shown in
For some applications, first implantation site 30 may include a portion of tissue of a wall defining right atrium 6 of heart 2, typically in a vicinity of the annulus of valve 4, e.g., the anterior-posterior commissure, as shown. For other applications, first implantation site 30 may include a portion of a wall of a right ventricle of heart 2, a ventricular portion of the annulus of valve 4, or a portion of a papillary muscle of the right ventricle of heart 2, as is shown hereinbelow in
As shown in
Once distal end 23 of catheter 22 is disposed within atrium 6, an anchor-deployment tube 24 is extended from within catheter 22 beyond distal end 23 thereof and toward first implantation site 30. Anchor-deployment tube 24 holds tissue anchor 40 and a distal portion of longitudinal member 42. For some applications, tube 24 is steerable, as is known in the catheter art, while for other applications, a separate steerable element may be coupled to anchor-deployment tube 24. Under the aid of imaging guidance, anchor-deployment tube 24 is advanced toward first implantation site 30 until a distal end thereof contacts cardiac tissue of heart 2 at first implantation site 30. Anchor-deployment tube 24 facilitates atraumatic advancement of first tissue-engaging element 60a toward first implantation site 30. For such applications in which anchor-deployment tube 24 is used, stent 50 is compressed within a portion of tube 24.
An anchor-manipulating tool (not shown for clarity of illustration), which is slidably disposed within anchor-deployment tube 24, is slid distally within tube 24 so as to push distally tissue anchor 40 of first tissue-engaging element 60a and expose tissue anchor 40 from within tube 24, as shown in
Alternatively, system 20 is provided independently of the anchor-manipulating tool, and anchor-deployment tube 24 facilitates implantation of anchor 40 in the cardiac tissue. For applications in which anchor 40 comprises a helical tissue anchor, as shown, the operating physician rotates anchor-deployment tube 24 from a site outside the body of the patient in order to rotate anchor 40 and thereby screw at least a portion of anchor 40 in the cardiac tissue.
It is to be noted that for some applications of the present invention, anchor 40 comprises a clip, jaws, or a clamp which grips and squeezes a portion of cardiac tissue and does not puncture the cardiac tissue.
Following the implantation of anchor 40 at first implantation site 30, anchor-deployment tube 24 is retracted within catheter 22 in order to expose longitudinal member 42, as shown in
For some applications, distal end 23 of catheter 22 is fixed in place with respect to longitudinal member 42. Fixing in place catheter 22 stabilizes catheter 22 as longitudinal member 42 is pulled. This enables distal end 23 to remain in place and not slide distally toward implantation site 30 during the adjusting of longitudinal member 42. For some applications of the present invention, a proximal portion of catheter 22 and/or a proximal handle portion coupled to catheter 22 is anchored or otherwise fixed in place at its access location, e.g., by taping or plastering. Alternatively or additionally, a distal portion of catheter 22 comprises an inflatable element coupled to an inflation conduit which runs the length of catheter 22 from the distal portion thereof to a site outside the body of the patient. Prior to the adjusting of longitudinal member 42, the inflatable element is inflated such that it contacts tissue of the vasculature through which catheter 22 is advanced, and thereby catheter 22 is fixed in place. Typically, the inflatable element comprises an annular inflatable element, such that when inflated, the annular inflatable element functions as a seal to hold in place the distal portion of catheter 22.
(In this context, in the specification and in the claims, “proximal” means closer to the orifice through which the implant (i.e., the prosthetic valve and the valve support) is originally placed into the body of the patient, along the path of delivery of the implant, and “distal” means further from this orifice along the path of delivery of the implant.)
Following the fixation of the mechanism that facilitates pulling of longitudinal member 42, the physician then pulls longitudinal member 42 and thereby draws together first and second implantation sites 30 and 52.
For some applications, catheter 22 is reversibly coupled to a proximal portion of longitudinal member 42 by being directly coupled to the proximal portion of member 42 and/or catheter 22 is reversibly coupled to second tissue-engaging element 60b. For example, catheter 22 may be reversibly coupled to stent 50 by the stent's application of a radial force against the inner wall of catheter 22 because of the tendency of stent 50 to expand radially. Following implantation of first tissue-engaging element 60a, catheter 22 (or an element disposed therein) is then pulled proximally to apply tension to longitudinal member 42, which, in such an application, functions as a tensioning element. For some applications, catheter 22 pulls on second tissue-engaging element 60b in order to pull longitudinal member 42. For other applications, catheter 22 pulls directly on longitudinal member 42. For yet other applications, a pulling mechanism pulls on longitudinal member 42, as is described hereinbelow with reference to
Pulling longitudinal member 42 pulls taut the portion of longitudinal member 42 that is disposed between anchor 40 and distal end 23 of catheter 22. Additionally, longitudinal member 42 may be pulled or relaxed in order to adjust the distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52. Responsively to the pulling of longitudinal member 42, at least the anterior and septal leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 are drawn together because the geometry of the annulus and/or of the wall of atrium 6 is altered in accordance with the pulling of longitudinal member 42 and depending on the positioning of first tissue-engaging element 60a. For some applications, during the pulling of longitudinal member 42 by catheter 22, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 is monitored and a parameter indicative of repair of valve 4 is monitored. For example, leaflet anatomy during the opening and closing of valve 4 is assessed using an imaging device such as intracardiac echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. For some applications, during the monitoring, measurements used to assess the efficiency of the procedure are evaluated pre-, during, and post-procedure. For example, these measurements could include, but not exclusively, measuring the echocardiographic distance between the anteroposterior commissure and the rim at the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium, or measuring the echocardiographic regurgitant volume through tricuspid valve 4. Longitudinal member 42 is pulled until the regurgitation is reduced or ceases.
Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, the physician decouples catheter 22 from second tissue-engaging element 60b disposed therein and/or from longitudinal member 42, and then retracts catheter 22 in order to expose second tissue-engaging element 60b, i.e., stent 50. During the advancement of catheter 22 toward atrium 6, stent 50 is disposed within a distal portion of catheter 22 in a compressed state. Following initial retracting of catheter 22, stent 50 is exposed and is allowed to expand and contact a wall of inferior vena cava 8. Responsively to the expanding, stent 50 is implanted in second implantation site 52 and maintains the tension of longitudinal member 42 on anchor 40 and thereby on the portion of cardiac tissue to which anchor 40 is coupled.
Reference is again made to
For some applications, such as shown in
For some applications, such as those described with reference to
The configuration of stent 50 that is shown in
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
System 200 typically comprises an adapter 218, which, for some applications, is shaped so as to define an annular proximal portion and a distal cylindrical portion having a distal end 220. During the manufacture of system 200, distal end 220 of the cylindrical portion of adapter 218 is slid through annular loop 216 at the distal end of longitudinal member 42, thereby coupling adapter 218 to the distal end of longitudinal member 42. Distal end 220 of adapter 218 is then welded or otherwise fixedly coupled to a proximal portion of an inner lumen of anchor 40, as shown in
Delivery tool system 200 comprises a delivery tool overtube 202 having a distal end thereof. For application in which stent 50 is provided, delivery tool overtube 202 is housed within catheter 22 such that a distal portion thereof passes in part through the lumen of stent 50 and a distal end 204 thereof extends toward tissue anchor 40. During delivery of tissue anchor 40 and stent 50 toward their respective implantation sites, deliver tool system 200 assumes the configuration shown in
Reference is again made to
Following rotation of anchor 40, torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 is pulled by the physician in order to pull on anchor 40 and thereby on the portion of cardiac tissue to which anchor 40 is implanted at first implantation site 30. Tube 208 is typically coupled at a proximal end thereof to a mechanical element, e.g., a knob, at the handle portion outside the body of the patient. The physician pulls on tube 208 by actuating the mechanical element that is coupled to the proximal end of tube 208. This pulling of tube 208, and thereby of anchor 40 and of cardiac tissue at first implantation site 30, draws first implantation site toward second implantation site 52 and thereby draws at least anterior leaflet 14 toward septal leaflet 12 in order to achieve coaptation of the leaflets and reduce regurgitation through valve 4.
For some applications in which stent 50 is provided, following the pulling of anchor 40, stent 50 is positioned at second implantation site 52. Catheter 22 is then retracted slightly along tube 202 so as to pull taut longitudinal member 42 and to ensure that tension is maintained at first implantation site 30 and along longitudinal member 42. Stent 50 is then deployed when the physician holds torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 and then retracts proximally either (1) catheter 22 or (2) a sheath (i.e., that is disposed within catheter 22 and surrounds stent 50), around stent 50 so as to deploy stent 50 from within either (1) catheter 22 or (2) the sheath disposed within catheter 22.
It is to be noted that stent 50 is retrievable following at least partial deployment thereof, e.g., following deployment of up to ½ or up to ⅓ of stent 50. In such an application, following the initial retraction proximally of catheter 22 from around stent 50 in order to deploy at least a distal portion of stent 50, catheter 22 is advanceable distally so as to compress and retrieve the at least partially-deployed stent back into the distal end portion of catheter 22. Alternatively, catheter 22 houses a sheath which compresses stent 50 during delivery of stent to second implantation site 52. During the initial retracting of catheter 22 proximally, the sheath surrounding stent 50 is also retracted in conjunction with the retracting of catheter 22. Following the at least partial deployment of stent 50 in order to deploy at least a distal portion of stent 50, the sheath is advanceable distally (while catheter 22 remains in place) so as to compress and retrieve the at least partially-deployed stent back into the distal end portion of the sheath. The sheath is then retracted into catheter 22. For such applications of the present invention in which stent 50 is retrievable following at least partial deployment thereof, anchor 40 can then be unscrewed from first implantation site 30 and the entire implant system may be extracted from the body, or repositioned in the heart, depending on the need of a given patient.
For applications in which stent 50 is retrievable, in order to retrieve stent 50 (i.e., prior to the decoupling of manipulator 206 from adapter 218 and thereby from anchor 40), the physician holds torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 and then advances distally either (1) catheter 22 or (2) the sheath disposed within catheter 22, around stent 50 so as to compress stent 50 within either (1) catheter 22 or (2) the sheath disposed within catheter 22. Torque-delivering and anchor-pulling tube 208 may then be rotated in order to unscrew anchor 40 from the tissue, and the entire system may be extracted from the body, or repositioned in the heart, depending on the need of a given patient.
Reference is again made to
As shown in
For some applications, such as those described hereinabove with reference to
Reference is again made to
Following the implantation of first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b, catheter 22 is retracted from the body of the patient. Outside the body of the patient, catheter 22 is reloaded with third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60c and 60d. Catheter 22 is then reintroduced within the body of the patient and is advanced toward right atrium 6, as shown in
Subsequently, a second tissue anchor 40b (i.e., an anchor that is similar to tissue anchor 40a, as described hereinabove) is implanted at a second portion of cardiac tissue at a third implantation site 32. Third implantation site 32 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a second portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). Third implantation site 32, as shown, comprises a portion of tissue that is between (1) the middle of the junction between the annulus and anterior leaflet 14, and (2) the middle of the junction between the annulus and posterior leaflet 16. For some applications, third implantation site 32 may comprise a second portion of the wall that defines right atrium 6. For other applications, third implantation site 32 may comprise a portion of cardiac tissue in the right ventricle, e.g., a portion of the wall that defines the right ventricle, a ventricular portion of the annulus of valve 4, or a portion of a papillary muscle of the right ventricle.
Following implantation of third tissue-engaging element 60c, catheter 22 is retracted and tension is applied to third tissue-engaging element 60c in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to
Additionally, responsively to the pulling of tissue at first and third implantation sites 30 and 32 toward second implantation site 52, anterior leaflet 14 is drawn toward septal leaflet 12, and bicuspidization is achieved. Also, responsively to the pulling, a portion of tissue that is between first and third implantation sites 30 and 32 is cinched. Further, responsively to the pulling, posterior leaflet 16 is reduced and moved out of a plane of valve 4 during the bicuspidization.
Reference is now made to
It is to be noted that second stent 50b is implanted within the lumen of first stent 50a by way of illustration and not limitation, and that for some applications of the present invention, first and second stents 50a and 50b may be implanted coaxially at second implantation site 52.
It is to be noted that third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60c and 60d and second longitudinal member 42b are typically fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60c and 60d and second longitudinal member 42b typically define a single continuous implant unit.
Reference is now made to
It is to be noted that third tissue-engaging element 60c, second longitudinal member 42b, and engaging elements 114 and proximal end portion 112 of second longitudinal member 42b are typically fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, third tissue-engaging element 60c, second longitudinal member 42b, and engaging elements 114 and proximal end portion 112 of second longitudinal member 42b typically define a single continuous implant unit.
Reference is now made to
In
Catheter 122 is then retracted so as to pull and apply tension to longitudinal member 42. Longitudinal member 42 is pulled directly by catheter 122 and/or indirectly by pulling stent member 132 disposed within catheter 122. For some applications, during the pulling, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 may be monitored, because responsively to the pulling, the geometry of the wall of atrium 6 is altered and the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 are drawn together so as to reduce and eliminate regurgitation of valve 4.
Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, the physician decouples catheter 122 from second stent member 132 disposed therein and/or from longitudinal member 42, and then retracts catheter 122 in order to expose second tissue-engaging element 60b, i.e., second stent member 132, as shown. Following initial retracting of catheter 122, second stent member 132 is exposed and is allowed to expand and contact a wall of inferior vena cava 8, as shown in
Reference is again made to
It is to be noted that first and second stents 130 and 132 and longitudinal member 42 are typically fabricated from the same material, e.g., nitinol, from a single piece. That is, first and second stents 130 and 132 and longitudinal member 42 typically define a single continuous implant unit.
Reference is yet again made to
Reference is still made to
Reference is now made to
A delivery catheter is advanced through vasculature of the patient, in manner as described hereinabove with regard to catheter 22 with reference to
The delivery catheter is then advanced toward second implantation site 52 and facilitates implantation of second tissue anchor 40b in the cardiac tissue. For some applications, as the catheter is advanced toward second implantation site, longitudinal member 42 is pulled to draw together the leaflets of valve 4, while a level of regurgitation of valve 4 is monitored. As shown, second implantation site 52 includes a second portion of tissue of the annulus of valve 4 at the septal side of valve 4, by way of illustration and not limitation. For some applications, second implantation site 52 may include a second portion of the wall of atrium 6 of heart 2. As shown by way of illustration and not limitation, second implantation site 52 includes a portion of tissue of the annulus inferior of the middle of septal leaflet 12. It is to be noted that first implantation site 30 may be implanted at any suitable location along and in the vicinity of the annulus of valve 4, e.g., at the commissure between posterior leaflet 16 and septal leaflet 12.
For such an application, by applying tension to longitudinal member 42, anterior leaflet 14 and septal leaflet 12 are drawn together, and bicuspidization of valve 4 is achieved. For some applications, during the adjusting of mechanism 150, a retrievable stent may be deployed in inferior vena cava 8 so as to stabilize system 140 during the adjusting of adjusting mechanism 150. It is to be further noted that tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b and the delivery catheter may be advanced toward atrium 6 through superior vena cava, mutatis mutandis.
For some applications of the present invention, system 140 comprises one or more anchor-manipulating tools (not shown for clarity of illustration), that is slidably disposed within the delivery catheter. The anchor-manipulating tool is slid distally with in the catheter so as to push distally tissue anchors 40a and 40b and expose tissue anchors 40a and 40h from within the catheter. For some applications of the present invention, the anchor-manipulating tool(s) is(/are) reversibly couplable to anchors 40a and 40b, and facilitate(s) implantation of anchors 40a and 40b in the cardiac tissue. For applications in which anchors 40a and 40b comprises respective helical tissue anchor, as shown, the operating physician rotates the anchor-manipulating tool(s) from a site outside the body of the patient in order to rotate anchors 40a and 40b, and thereby screw at least respective distal portions of anchors 40a and 40b in the cardiac tissue.
Reference is again made to
Typically, following implantation of first and second tissue anchors 40a and 40b, a length of longitudinal member 42, that is disposed between first and second tissue anchors 40a and 40b, is adjusted by adjusting mechanism 150. Adjusting mechanism 150 typically comprises a mechanical element which shortens a distance of longitudinal member 42 between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b. For some applications, adjustable mechanism 150 may be permanently coupled to longitudinal member 42 (as shown in
For other applications, system 140 comprises only an adjusting tool (which functions as an adjusting mechanism) and not adjusting mechanism 150. In such applications, the adjusting tool may comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a crimping bead for crimping and shortening a portion of longitudinal member 42, or a deforming element which deforms a portion of longitudinal member 42 in order to shorten its length between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b.
In either application, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored during the adjusting of the distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b by adjusting mechanism 150.
Following the adjusting of the distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, the adjusting tool and the delivery catheter are decoupled from longitudinal member 42 and are extracted from the body of the patient.
Reference is now made to
Tissue-engaging elements 60a, 60b, and 60c are coupled to longitudinal members 42a, 42b, and 42c, respectively. The longitudinal members are coupled together by adjusting mechanism 150. For some applications, adjusting mechanism 150 comprises a spool for looping portions of the longitudinal members therearound, and a ratchet element which allows the spool to rotate in only one direction. Rotation of the spool loops the longitudinal member therearound, thereby shortening the effective lengths of the members and applying tension thereto, to draw the leaflets toward one another, such as described hereinabove with reference to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is again made to
For some applications, following the deploying of first, second, third, and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60a-d (i.e., first and second anchors 40a and 40b, and first and second stents 50a and 50b), (1) a distance between first and second tissue-engaging elements 60a and 60b is adjustable by first adjustable mechanism, and (2) a distance between third and fourth tissue-engaging elements 60c and 60d is adjustable by a second adjustable mechanism, as described hereinbelow with reference to
Adjusting mechanisms 150 typically each comprise a mechanical element which shortens a distance of respective longitudinal members 42a and 42b. For some applications, adjustable mechanisms 150 may be permanently coupled to respective longitudinal members 42a and 42b (not shown) and each comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a spool for looping portions of longitudinal members 42a and 42b therearound, a crimping bead for crimping and shortening respective portions of longitudinal members 42a and 42b, a ratchet element, or a deforming element which deforms respective portions of longitudinal members 42a and 42b in order to shorten its length between the respective tissue-engaging elements 60. For other applications, system 700 comprises an adjusting mechanism comprising only an adjusting tool (not shown). In such applications, the adjusting tool may comprise an adjusting element, e.g., a crimping bead for crimping and shortening respective portions of longitudinal members 42a and 42b, or a deforming element which deforms respective portions of longitudinal members 42a and 42b. In either application, a level of regurgitation of valve 4 may be monitored and the adjustment of the geometry of the right ventricle is monitored during (1) the adjusting of the distance between first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, and (2) the adjusting of the distance between third and second implantation sites 32 and 52, respectively.
Reference is now made to
For some applications, as shown in
An anchor-deployment tube is deployed into atrium 6, for example, using techniques described hereinabove with reference to
During the implantation using system 800, the distal end of the anchor-deployment tube is advanced to third implantation site 32. Third tissue-engaging element 60c is deployed at third implantation site 32, such as using anchoring techniques described herein. Third implantation site 32 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a second portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). For example, in the approach shown in
Subsequently to implantation at third implantation site, the distal end of the anchor-deployment tube is advanced to a fourth implantation site 34. As mentioned above, longitudinal sub-member 802 extends between tissue-engaging elements 60c and 60d. As fourth tissue-engaging element 60d is brought to fourth implantation site 34, longitudinal sub-member 802 engages, e.g., becomes hooked on or looped over, longitudinal member 42 at junction 804. Fourth tissue-engaging element 60d is deployed at fourth implantation site 34, such as using anchoring techniques described herein. Fourth implantation site 34 includes a portion of cardiac tissue in the vicinity of tricuspid valve 4 (e.g., a second portion of tissue of the annulus of tricuspid valve 4, as shown). For example, in the approaches shown in
Following implantation at fourth implantation site 34, the anchor-deployment tube is withdrawn into the vena cava. Second tissue-engaging element 60b (stent 50) pulls on longitudinal member 42, which directly pulls on first tissue-engaging element 60a, and indirectly pulls on tissue-engaging elements 60c and 60d via longitudinal sub-member 802. Responsively, a distance between the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 is adjusted to reduce and eliminate regurgitation through valve 4, and thereby, valve 4 is repaired. For some applications, during the pulling of longitudinal member 42, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 is monitored. Longitudinal member 42 is pulled until the regurgitation is reduced or ceases. Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, second tissue-engaging element 60b (e.g., stent 50) is deployed from the anchor-deployment tube in the vena cava, such as described hereinabove, thereby implanting the tissue-engaging element at second implantation site 52, as shown in
For some applications, stent 50 comprises a plurality of interconnected superelastic metallic struts, such as described hereinabove with reference to
For some applications, following the implantation the tissue-engaging elements at their respective implantation sites, as described hereinabove, a length of longitudinal member 42 is adjusted by an adjustable mechanism, as described hereinabove with reference to
Reference is now made to
In the configuration shown in
In the configurations shown in
Anchor 40 comprises distal tissue-piercing tip 972, which is fixed at a distal end of a post 976 (which typically comprises a tube). The anchor further comprises a plurality of ribs 978 (e.g., three or four). Ribs 978 are coupled to the anchor near distal tip 972, such that the ribs can articulate with post 796, thereby changing respective angles between the ribs and the post. The anchor further comprises a runner 980 (which typically comprises a tube), which is slidably coupled to post 976, such that the runner can slide along the post. A plurality of stretchers 982 are coupled to runner 980 and respective ones of the ribs, such that stretchers can articulate with the runner and the respective ribs. Each of the stretchers may comprise one or more elongated elements; by way of example, each of the stretchers is shown comprising two elongated elements. Typically, tips 984 of ribs 978 (i.e., at the ends not coupled to the anchor) are blunt.
For some applications, such as the configuration shown in
For some applications, in order to allow retraction of the anchor (such as if the anchor has been improperly positioned, or needs to be removed for another reason), the proximal end of runner 980 (i.e., the end farther from tip 972) is removably coupled to an inner tube positioned within the catheter. For example, an outer surface of the proximal end of runner 980 and an inner surface of the inner tube near a distal end thereof may be threaded, to enable the removable coupling. Runner 980 thus remains coupled to the inner tube until released, such as by rotating the inner tube with respect to the runner (the tissue prevents the runner from also rotating). In order to retract the anchor, post 976 is pushed in a distal direction while the runner is still coupled to the inner tube, thereby moving post 976 with respect to runner 980 and transitioning the anchor back to its radially-contracted (closed) state. The anchor can thus be withdrawn into the catheter, repositioned, and deployed again at a different location. The surgeon rotates the inner tube to decouple the anchor once the location of the anchor has been finalized.
For some applications, in the configuration shown in
For some applications, a greatest width W2 of anchor 40, when radially expanded, is at least 6.5 mm, no more than 39 mm, and/or between 6.5 and 39 mm, such as 13 mm. For some applications, a length L3 of anchor 40, measured along an axis of the anchor from tips 984 of ribs 978 to the end of tip 972 of the anchor when the anchor is radially expanded, is at least 5 mm, no more than 30 mm, and/or between 5 and 30 mm, such as 10 mm. For some applications, a greatest diameter D2 of tip 972 is at least 0.4 mm, no more than 2.4 mm, and/or between 0.4 and 2.4 mm, such as 0.8 mm. For some applications, a greatest diameter D3 of post 976 is at least 0.3 mm, no more than 1.8 mm, and/or between 0.3 and 1.8 mm, such as 0.6 mm. For some applications, each of ribs 978 has a length of at least 6 mm, no more than 20 mm, and/or between 6 and 20 mm, such as 10 mm.
In the configuration shown in
Reference is now made to
A second portion 1143 of band 1140 is coupled to tissue anchor 40 via a connecting element 1240 that is coupled to a proximal portion of anchor 40 via an adapter head 1230. Tissue anchor 40 comprises a helical tissue anchor having a central lumen about a longitudinal axis 1155. Connecting element 1240 is shaped so as to define a flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242 at a proximal portion of connecting element 1240. Flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242 is shaped so as to define an opening 1244 configured for coupling of second portion 1143 of band 1140 to connecting element 1240. Typically second portion 1143 of band 1140 is coupled to connecting element 1240 by threading it through opening 1244 and forming a distal loop 1142.
Connecting element 1240 is shaped so as to provide an annular loop 1246 at a portion of element 1240 that is distal to opening 1244 and flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242. Annular loop 1246 has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the anchor 40. Annular loop 1246 surrounds the proximal-most coil in a manner which facilitates rotation of anchor 40 about axis 1155 freely by facilitating rotation of the proximal-most loop of anchor 40 freely about axis 1155. For some applications loop 1246 rotates around the proximal portion of anchor 40.
Adapter head 1230 is shaped so as to define a distal tissue-anchor coupling element 1233 which has an outer diameter that is equal to or less than a diameter of the lumen of anchor 40 in a manner in which tissue-anchor coupling element 1233 fits within the lumen of anchor 40 and is welded to a proximal portion of anchor 40 in order to couple adapter head 1230 to anchor 40 (as shown hereinbelow with reference to
System 1000 comprises a torque-delivering tool comprising a torque-delivering cable 1204 that is slidably disposed within a lumen of a tube 1202. Torque-delivering cable 1204 is welded at a distal end thereof to a first coupling 1220 shaped so as to define a male coupling element 1222. Adapter head 1230 is shaped so as to provide a second coupling 1232 shaped so as to define a female coupling element configured to fit the male coupling element 1222. When coupled together, as will be described hereinbelow with reference to
Since adapter head 1230, having second coupling 1232, is welded to a proximal portion of anchor 40, when adapter head 1230 is rotated, anchor 40 is rotated. As anchor 40 is rotated, the proximal-most coil of anchor 40 rotates freely within annular loop 1246, and anchor 40 rotates with respect to annular loop 1246.
As shown, the proximal portion of connecting element 1240 comprising flexible-longitudinal-member-coupler 1242, shaped so as to define opening 1244, is generally crescent-shaped. A portion of tube 1202 in a vicinity of distal end 1205 of tube 1202 is coupled to an anti-entanglement device 1224 which is shaped so as to define a distal element 1226 that is generally crescent-shaped. Distal element 1226 is disposed alongside the proximal portion of connecting element 1240 in a manner in which the crescent shaped are aligned, as shown in
As shown in
Reference is now made to
As described hereinabove, tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60a and stent 50 defines second tissue-engaging element 60b. As described hereinabove, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of the patient prior to positioning stent 50 in the blood vessel of the patient. That is, tissue anchor 40 is exposed from within sheath 1190 and implanted in tissue of the patient while stent 50 remains crimped within sheath 1190. Since torque-delivering cable 1204 and tube 1202 pass through the lumen of stent 50, during rotation of anchor 40, anchor 40 rotates with respect to stent 50 while stent remains static.
Tool 1002 comprises a “Y”-shaped connector 1014 coupled to a proximal end of shaft 1016. A first arm of connector 1014 provides a lumen for passage of a guidewire tube 1013 that is configured to hold a guidewire (not shown). A second arm of connector 1014 provides a lumen for passage of tube 1202 that surrounds torque-delivering cable 1204. As shown in the cross-sectional image on the top-right, tube 1202 surrounding cable 1204 passes alongside guidewire tube 1013. Guidewire tube 1013 extends through tool 1002 and through a lumen provided by a distal atraumatic tip 1192. For such an application, tip comprises a symmetrical tip 1196. Tip 1192 enables atraumatic advancement the shafts of tool 1002 through vasculature of the patient. Tip 1192 comprises a flexible biocompatible material, e.g., polyurethane, and a radiopacity-enhancing material such as an embedded marker made from a radiopaque substance such as Pt—Ir, or alternatively by adding BaSO4 to the biocompatible material.
Reference is now made to
Reference is again made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
When the physician wishes to expose anchor 40 from within sheath 1190, the physician slides the cable 1204 and tube 1202 together so as to expose anchor 40. For some applications, cable 1204 and tube 1202 are slid when the physician pushes at least handle portion 1004 so as to push tube 1202 (and cable 1204 disposed therein) distally in order to push anchor 40 distally within sheath 1190 and expose anchor 40 from within sheath 1190. During the sliding, mechanism 1018 is held in place so as to prevent distal sliding of sheath 1190 during the distal sliding of anchor 40. (When the physician desires to deploy stent 50, the physician slides sheath 1190 proximally by sliding mechanism 1018 with respect to shaft 1016 so as to expose stent 50. For such applications, stent 50 is exposed from within sheath 1190 and is allowed to expand radially and disengage delivery-tool couplers 1159 of stent 50 from stent-couplers 1017 of tool 1002).
When the physician wishes to position anchor 40 into the correct anatomical place such as the anteroposterior commissure, the physician actuates user-engaging element 1195 to actuate steering mechanism 1018 which pulls the steering cable, causing steering of sheath 1190 in order to deflect sheath 1190 in one direction. The physician may then rotate the handle portion of mechanism 1018 to change the deflection direction and reach the correct anatomical positioning of anchor 40.
As shown in
Holder 1008 is coupled to a proximal portion of tube 1202 that surrounds cable 1204. Holder 1008 is shaped so as to define a proximal recess 1009, with transverse holes 1011. Actuator 1006 is shaped so as to define a distal protrusion 1007 which is shaped so as to fit within recess 1009 of holder 1008.
As shown in
When the physician desires to disengage first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, the physician releases safety 1010 (e.g., by cutting the suture) and pushes actuator 1006 distally so that protrusion 1007 of actuator 1006 slides within recess 1009 of holder 1008. During the pushing of actuator 1006, the physician holds holder 1008. Responsively, since actuator 1006 is coupled to cable 1204, cable 1204 is slid distally (in the direction as indicated by arrow 2) so that first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, are exposed from within the distal portion of tube 1202. Additionally, since tissue anchor 40 is implanted in tissue of the patient, the tissue exerts a force on tube 1202 which pushes tube 1202 proximally, in the direction as indicated by arrow 1. Consequently, first and second couplings 1220 and 1232, respectively, are exposed from within the distal portion of tube 1202, as shown in
As shown in
Following the implantation of tissue anchor 40 at first implantation site 30, sheath 1190 is retracted proximally by pulling proximally mechanism 1018 so as to expose band 1140 coupled to tissue anchor 40. Sheath 1190 is navigated by mechanism 1194 such that distal end 1191 of sheath 1190 is positioned in second implantation site 52. As tool 1002 is navigated, tension is applied to band 1140 in order to draw together first and second implantation sites 30 and 52, respectively, and repair valve 4, in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to
For some applications, during the pulling of band 1140 by tool 1002, a level of regurgitation of tricuspid valve 4 is monitored and a parameter indicative of repair of valve 4 is monitored. For example, leaflet anatomy during the opening and closing of valve 4 is assessed using an imaging device such as intracardiac echocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography. For some applications, during the monitoring, measurements used to assess the efficiency of the procedure are evaluated pre-, during, and post-procedure. For example, these measurements could include, but not exclusively, measuring the echocardiographic distance between the anteroposterior commissure and the rim at the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium, or measuring the echocardiographic regurgitant volume through tricuspid valve 4. Band 1140 is pulled until the regurgitation is reduced or ceases.
Once the physician determines that the regurgitation of valve 4 is reduced or ceases, and valve 4 has been repaired, sheath 1190 is retracted proximally as described hereinabove with reference to
Reference is now made to
The structural configuration of stent 1150 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1150 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.
Stent 1150 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of coaxially-disposed annular ring portions 1151. Each ring portion 1151 is shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152 and a plurality of valleys 1154. As shown, each of the plurality of interconnectors 1158 is oriented vertically. As shown in exemplary ring portions 1151a and 1151b, the ring portions are aligned in a manner in which peaks 1152 and 1154 are in phase. Thus, interconnectors 1158 are vertically disposed between respective valleys 1154 of respective ring portions 1151.
Such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 provides stent 1150 with a property of generally maintaining its longitudinal length L5 measured along longitudinal axis 1155, during radial expansion of stent 1150 from a radially-compressed state of stent 1150. Additionally, such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 in distal portion 1157 of stent 1150 facilitates partial compressibility retrievability/retractability into sheath 1190 (as described hereinabove with reference to
Each annular ring portion 1151 comprises a plurality of struts 1153. Each strut has a width W7 of between 50 and 1000 micron, e.g., between 100 and 500 micron, for example, 200 micron. Each interconnector 1158 has a width W6 of between 50 and 500 micron e.g., 200 micron.
Stent 1150 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of delivery-tool couplers 1159 at a proximal end 1300 thereof, as described hereinabove with reference to
As shown in
Tension-distributing element 1160 has a width W5 of between 1 and 4 mm, e.g., 2.6 mm. Tension-distributing element 1160 has a longitudinal length L6 measured along longitudinal axis 1155 that is generally equal to longitudinal length L5 of stent 1150, as shown by way of illustration and not limitation. Thus, tension-distributing element 1160, as shown in
Typically, a width of a widest mechanical structural element 1651 is between 100 and 500 micron, and width W5 of tension-distributing element 1160 is between 1 and 4 mm. For some applications, width W5 of tension-distributing element 1160 is at least 13 times the width of the widest mechanical structural element 1651.
Tension-distributing element 1160 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of eyelets 1170 (
It is to be noted that tension-distributing element 1160 and mechanical structural elements 1651 are typically fabricated from a single piece of tubular alloy, typically superelastic, e.g., nitinol. For some applications tension-distributing element 1160 and mechanical structural elements 1651 are modularly assembled.
As shown in
Reference is now made to
The structural configuration of stent 1400 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1400 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.
Portions 1402 of stent 1400 are each shaped so as to provide a plurality (e.g., two, as shown) of coaxially-disposed annular ring portions 1151. Each ring portion 1151 is shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152 and a plurality of valleys 1154. Stent 1400 comprises a plurality of interconnectors 1158 (e.g., vertical interconnectors, as shown). As shown in exemplary ring portions 1151a and 1151b, the ring portions are aligned in a manner in which peaks 1152 and 1154 are in phase. Thus, interconnectors 1158 are vertically disposed between respective valleys 1154 of respective ring portions 1151.
Portions 1402 have interconnectors 1158a having a length of between 4 and 25 mm, e.g., 9 mm. Portion 1404 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of elongate interconnectors 1158b which connect portions 1402. Interconnectors 1158b have a length of between 20 and 80 mm, e.g., 50 mm. Taken together, peaks 1152, valleys 1154, and interconnectors 1158a of portions 1402 impart a greater radial force on surrounding tissue in a radially-expanded state of stent 1400 than portion 1404 of stent 1400, because portion 1404 comprises only elongate interconnectors 1158b. Such a configuration of stent 1400 provides an endoluminal implant which has a portion that exerts less radial force on surrounding tissues; thus, stent 1400 is configured to be placed in a blood vessel (e.g., the inferior vena cava) that is surrounded by organs. For applications in which stent 1400 is placed within the blood vessel that is surrounded by organs, portion 1404 of stent 1400 exerts less radial force on the surrounding organs than portions 1402.
Such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 provides stent 1400 with a property of generally maintaining its longitudinal length L5 measured along longitudinal axis 1155, during radial expansion of stent 1400 from a radially-compressed state of stent 1400.
Each annular ring portion 1151 comprises a plurality of struts 1153. Each strut has a width W7 of between 50 and 1000 micron, e.g., between 100 and 500 micron, for example, 200 micron. Each interconnector 1158 has a width W6 of between 50 and 500 micron e.g., 200 micron.
Stent 1400 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of delivery-tool couplers 1159 at a proximal end 1300 thereof, as described hereinabove with reference to
As shown in
As shown in
Each one of distal tension-distributing element 1162a and proximal tension-distributing element 1162b has a longitudinal length L7 of between 5 and 25 mm.
As shown in
It is to be noted that tension-distributing elements 1162a and 1162b and mechanical structural elements 1651 are fabricated from a single piece of tubular alloy, typically superelastic, e.g., nitinol. For some applications tension-distributing elements 1162a and 1162b and mechanical structural elements 1651 are modularly assembled.
As shown in
Reference is now made to
The structural configuration of stent 1500 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1500 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.
Portion 1504 comprises a plurality of struts 1520 each having a width W9 of between 25 and 250 micron, e.g., 100 micron. Struts 1520 are spatially arranged so as to form a plurality of quadrilateral-shaped openings 1522. e.g., diamond-shaped openings.
Portion 1506 comprises a plurality of struts 1530 each having a width W10 of between 50 and 500 micron, e.g., 200 micron. Struts 1530 are spatially arranged so as to form a plurality of peaks 1152 and valleys 1154.
Struts 1520 of portion 1504 are longer and thinner than struts 1530 of portion 1506. Thus, portion 1506 exerts a greater radial force on surrounding tissue in a radially-expanded state of stent 1500 than portion 1504 of stent 1500. Additionally, the relative spatial arrangement of struts 1530 of portion 1506 (as compared with the relative spatial arrangement of struts 1520 of portion 1504) enables portion 1506 to exert a greater radial force on surrounding tissue than portion 1504.
Portion 1502 of stent 1500 is shaped so as to provide a plurality (e.g., two, as shown) of coaxially-disposed annular ring portions 1151. Each ring portion 1151 is shaped so as to define a plurality of peaks 1152 and a plurality of valleys 1154. Stent 1400 comprises a plurality of interconnectors 1158 (e.g., vertical interconnectors, as shown). As shown in exemplary ring portions 1151a and 1151b, the ring portions are aligned in a manner in which peaks 1152 and 1154 are in phase. Thus, interconnectors 1158 are vertically disposed between respective valleys 1154 of respective ring portions 1151.
Each one of interconnectors 1158 of portion 1502 has a length of between 4 and 25 mm, e.g., 9 mm. Taken together, peaks 1152, valleys 1154, and interconnectors 1158 of portions 1502 impart a greater radial force on surrounding tissue in a radially-expanded state of stent 1500 than portions 1504 and 1506 of stent 1500. Such a configuration of stent 1500 provides an endoluminal implant which has one or more portions (e.g., portions 1504 and 1506) that exert less radial force on surrounding tissues than portion 1502; thus, stent 1500 is configured to be placed in a blood vessel (e.g., the inferior vena cava) that is surrounded by organs. For applications in which stent 1500 is placed within the blood vessel that is surrounded by organs, portion 1504 of stent 1500 exerts less radial force on the surrounding organs than portion 1502.
Such a configuration of mechanical structural elements 1651 provides stent 1500 with a property of generally maintaining its longitudinal length L5 measured along longitudinal axis 1155, during radial expansion of stent 1500 from a radially-compressed state of stent 1500.
Each annular ring portion 1151 comprises a plurality of struts 1153. Each strut has a width W7 of between 50 and 1000 micron, e.g., between 100 and 500 micron, for example, 200 micron. Each interconnector 1158 has a width W6 of between 50 and 500 micron e.g., 200 micron.
Stent 1500 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of delivery-tool couplers 1159 at a proximal end 1300 thereof, as described hereinabove with reference to
Stent 1500 is couplable to flexible band 1140 in a manner as described hereinabove with reference to
As shown in
A first portion of band 1140 is coupled to distal tension-distributing element 1163 is configured to be threaded through eyelet 1170 of element 1163.
It is to be noted that tension-distributing element 1163 and mechanical structural elements 1651 may be fabricated from a single piece of tubular alloy, typically superelastic, e.g., nitinol. For some applications tension-distributing element 1163 and mechanical structural elements 1651 are modularly assembled.
Stent 1500 defines second tissue-engaging element 60b.
The structural configuration of stent 1500 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of stent 1500 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter.
Reference is now made to
Stent 50a comprises a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651 that are arranged so as to form a first tubular structure having a lumen 1652 in a radially-expanded state of stent 50a that has an inner diameter D5 of between 18 and 45 mm, e.g., 24 mm, 28 mm, or 32 mm.
Stent 50b comprises a radially-expandable implant 1610 that comprises a plurality of mechanical structural elements 1651 that are arranged so as to form a second tubular structure. Implant 1610 is shaped so as to provide a plurality of tissue-engaging structures 1612 which protrude from the generally-tubular structure of implant 1610. For example, structures 1612 comprise barbs. Implant 1610 has an outer diameter D4 in a radially-expanded state of implant 1610, excluding tissue-engaging structures 1612, of between 18 and 45 mm, e.g., 24 mm, 28 mm, or 32 mm. Diameter D4 enables implant 1610 to expand at least as large as the inner diameter D5 of lumen 1652 of stent 50b. When implant 1610 expands to assume its expanded state within lumen 1652, as shown in
Tissue anchor 40 defines first tissue-engaging element 60a, stent 50a defines second tissue-engaging element 60b, and stent 50b defines third tissue-engaging element 60c.
As described hereinabove, tissue anchor 40 is implanted in first implantation site 30, and then stent 50b is deployed in the blood vessel. Following the deploying of stent 50b in the blood vessel, implant 1610 is position and deployed within lumen 1652 of stent 50a.
As described hereinabove, following implantation of stent 50a in the blood vessel, tension is applied to stent 50a by flexible member 42 (e.g., band 1140), which may cause migration of stent 50a within the blood vessel. By deploying stent 50b within lumen 1652 of stent 50a, tissue-engaging structures 1612 expand between mechanical structural elements 1651 of stent 50a in order to engage tissue of the blood vessel and anchor stent 50a to the blood vessel. Additionally, the expanding of stent 50b within lumen 1652 of stent 50a provides additional radial force of stent 50b in its expanded state against stent 50b, in order to apply additional radial force of stent 50a against the blood vessel.
The structural configuration of implant 1610 provided by mechanical structural elements 1651 may be formed by expanding a laser-slotted metallic tube, or may be chemically etched from a flat sheet and welded to a tube, or may be formed from a single wire, or may be formed by assembling individual wire elements, or by any other method of construction known to those skilled in the art. The design of implant 1610 can be laser cut from a small diameter tube, expanded to the final diameter, or may be cut from a large diameter tube, which is equal to the final diameter of a fully expanded stent or which may be further expanded to an even larger diameter. It is to be noted that mechanical structural elements 1651 may be arranged in a relative spatial orientation that is different from the orientation shown in
For some applications, flexible member 42 comprises band 1140, as described hereinabove.
For applications in which second implantation site 52 includes left hepatic vein 11, flexible member 42 has a length of between 150 and 300 mm, e.g., 200 mm.
It is to be noted that although implantation site 52 includes a portion of left hepatic vein 11, implantation site 52 may be a portion of a right hepatic vein or a middle hepatic vein.
Reference is made to
It is to be noted that the scope of the present invention includes implanting second tissue-engaging element 60b in a coronary sinus of the patient. For such an application, flexible member has a length of between 10 and 40 mm, e.g., 20 mm.
Reference is now made to
First and second elements 60a and 60b are implanted in manner as described hereinabove with reference to
Implant 2504 exerts a strong radial force on tissue of the blood vessel while defining a low profile volume of mechanical structural elements.
It is to be noted that although second implantation site 52 includes a portion of inferior vena cava 8, second implantation site may include a portion of superior vena cava 10, hepatic vein 11, or any other suitable blood vessel.
Reference is now made to
Typically, longitudinal members 2612 and 2660 comprise a flexible biocompatible textile e.g. polyester, nylon, PTFE, ePTFE, PEEK, PEBAX™, and/or superelastic material, e.g., nitinol. Typically, longitudinal members 2612 and 2660 comprise a plurality of fibers which are aligned, e.g., woven or intertwined, to form a fabric band, as is described hereinabove with reference to
FIGS. 21 and 22A-D show a delivery system to implant first tissue-engaging element 60a in tissue of the annulus of valve 4. Tissue-engaging element 60a is described hereinabove with reference to
Anchor 40 is rotated by the torque-delivering tool comprising torque-delivering cable 1204. As described hereinabove, torque-delivering cable 1204 is welded at a distal end thereof to first coupling 1220, which defines a first coupling element. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In order to maintain such coupling of first coupling 1220 and head 1320, an elongate longitudinal element 2610 (e.g., a rod) is reversibly disposed within first-coupling-element-main-body passage 2621, first-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage 2623, second-coupling-element-main-body passage 2631, and second-coupling-element-secondary-body-portion passage 2633.
As shown in
Reference is again made to
When in the closed position (shown in
As shown in
Following implantation of anchor 40 at site 30, tool 1204 is decoupled from anchor 40, as described hereinabove, such that the open position is assumed (section A-A,
As shown in the enlarged image of
A proximal end of element 2614 is shaped to as to provide a threaded coupling 2644 which facilitates screwing of a screw 2618 coupled to the distal end of guide member 2616, as shown.
For some applications (configuration not shown), the distal end of guide member 2616 may be coupled to first coupling 1220 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D), and a proximal end of element 2614 may be coupled to adapter head 1230 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D; configuration not shown, but shown in
Element 2650 is shaped so as to define one or more tabs 2652 biased to flex toward a longitudinal axis 2656 of the cylinder of element 2650. As coupling element 2650 slides over the male coupling of element 2614, the protrusion 2640 of the male coupling of element 2614 is advanceable with respect to the one or more tabs 2652 in a first direction (e.g., a proximal direction) to push tab 2652 away from longitudinal axis 2656. Element 2614 is shaped so as to define a section distal to protrusion 2640 that is narrower than protrusion 2640. After protrusion 2640 advances beyond tab 2652, tab 2652 assumes its resting position in which it flexes toward axis 2656 and closes around the narrower portion distal to protrusion 2640, as shown in Section A-A. Shelf 2642 of protrusion 2640 has a dimension that is larger than a dimension of tab 2652 in its resting state and restricts advancement of the male coupling of element 2614 in a second direction (e.g., a distal direction). In such a manner, tabs 2652, protrusion 2640, and shelf 2642 lock element 2614 with respect to element 2650.
As shown, element 2650 is shaped so as to define one or more grooves 2657. For some applications, protrusion 2640 fits within the one or more grooves 2657 in order to couple together elements 2650 and 2614. As shown, a distal portion 2662 of longitudinal member 2660 is looped around a looping portion 2654 of element 2650.
Following the coupling of elements 2650 and 2614, tube 2667 is decoupled from element 2650. Additionally, guide member 2616 is decoupled from element 2614 by being unscrewed therefrom (as shown by the arrow in section A-A).
Second flexible longitudinal member 2660 is coupled at a distal portion thereof to a proximal portion of second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element 2650, e.g., by being looped around a portion of element 2650, as shown.
Following decoupling of guide member 2616, first and second coupling elements 2614 and 2650, respectively, remain coupled together and thereby couple together first and second longitudinal members 2612 and 2660, respectively.
After elements 2614 and 2650 are coupled together, tool 2666 is retracted through inferior vena cava 8 in order apply tension to flexible members 2612 and 2660 and thereby to first tissue-engaging element 60a, as described hereinabove, in order to adjust a distance between the leaflets of tricuspid valve 4 to reduce and eliminate regurgitation through valve 4, and thereby, to repair valve 4.
In
It is to be noted that any one of stents 1150, 1400, and 1500 described hereinabove may be used in place of any one of stents 50.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
An adjustment-mechanism tool 2672 is reversibly coupled to mechanism 2670. As shown, tool 2672 is coupled at a distal end thereof to first coupling 1220 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D), and adjustment mechanism 2670 is coupled to adapter head 1230 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D). For such applications, reversible coupling of tool 2672 to mechanism 2670 is accomplished via coupling of coupling 1220 to head 1230. As described hereinabove, the coupling of coupling 1220 and head 1230 is maintained by elongate longitudinal element 2610 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D).
Flexible-longitudinal-member-adjustment mechanism 2670 may be used in combination with system 2600 described herein with reference to
Reference is now made to
A proximal end of element 2614 is coupled to adapter head 1230 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D), or a longitudinal-guide-member-coupling element. For such applications, guide member 2616 (not shown) is coupled at a distal end thereof to first coupling 1220 (described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22A-D) and is coupled to element 2614 via couplings 1220 and head 1230. It is to be noted that guide member 2616 may also be coupled to element 2614 by being screwed into a threaded coupling 2644 of element 2614, as described hereinabove with reference to
In either embodiment, second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element 2650 is slid over the guide member until opening 2680 is aligned with arms 2684 of element 2614. Element 2650 is further slid distally along element 2614 such that wall 2682 compresses arms 2684 through opening 2680. Once element 2650 is slid further, arms 2684 are exposed from within opening 2680 and expand to a position that is above opening 2680. Arms 2684 expand to a dimension 2686 that is larger than dimension 2688 of opening 2680. Arms 2684 expand to a position in which at least a portion of respective outer surfaces 2685 of arms 2684 is beyond and above wall 2682. In such a manner, arms 2684 lock element 2614 to element 2650, and thereby maintain coupling of flexible members 2612 and 2660.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 29 and 30A-D, which are schematic illustrations of (1) first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element 2614 comprising one or more radially-displaceable legs 2694 (e.g., two, as shown), and (2) second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element 2650 having one or more walls 2691 (
In such applications, the female coupling is coupled to first flexible longitudinal member 2612, and the male coupling is coupled to second flexible longitudinal member 2660.
As shown in
As shown in
In
Additionally, the positioning of legs 2694 beyond shelf 2692 displaces guide-member-coupling element 2690, as shown in
Wall 2691 of element 2650 is shaped so as to define at least one groove 2697. As shown in
Reference is now made to
As shown in view A, element 2614 is advanced along guide member 2616 toward element 2650. In view B, protrusion 2702 of element 2614 is positioned within a portion of curved groove 2700. In view C, element 2614 is rotated in order to position and lock protrusion 2702 within groove 2700 at an end of groove 2700. In such a manner, element 2614 is locked to element 2650. Following the locking of elements 2614 and 2650, guide member 2616 is decoupled from element 2650.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is again made to
Reference is yet again made to
Reference is still yet again made to
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
Alfieri, Ottavio, Maisano, Francesco, Vanerman, Hugo, Perevalov, Valery, Hof, Rephael, Tobis, Idan
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